Gretna KOA working on major expansion

GRETNA, Neb. (WOWT) - Big plans are in store at a campground just southwest of the metro.

The KOA is working on a huge expansion, and adding new amenities for families.

Fall is making its way to the “Kampground of America” site in Gretna, and there is still a demand for sites for people who just want to get away, or people who have to work in the area.

“We have a lot of traveling nurses here, lot of of construction workers, disaster roofers, disaster tree service. We take ‘em all" Gretna KOA General Manager Jesse McCrossin said.

McCrossin told 6 News that during the pandemic, the campground was the perfect place to practice social distancing, and that brought a whole new crowd to the great outdoors.

“People that never camped before, didn’t know what to do during Covid and went out and bought a travel trailer or tent trailer and started camping," McCrossin said. “Now they’re showing their friends. It’s really boomed... The campers are getting bigger. I mean some of these campers coming through are 60 feet long, towing forty feet behind them.”

With more people, and bigger campers, this KOA is expanding adding 19 acres to the existing 13.

The new campsites will feature a 3/4 of an acre pond, deluxe sites with fire pits, and space for pets.

“We’re going to be doing some stuff here soon where we’re going to out our cabins on Airbnb, and bring other people who’ve never seen a KOA or a campground into the campground,” McCrossin said.

McCrossin also said that they will be building new bathrooms and laundries on the new expanded campground site.

All of this will be in addition to what already goes on at the current site.

“We also offer cabins, and lodges and deluxe cabins,” McCrossin said. “We make pizza. We deliver to your site. We do outdoor movie theaters. We have a pavilion where we do Husker watch parties.”

McCrossin says construction work won’t end with the completion of the expansion, as work will also begin to improve the current campsite.

KOA officials told 6 News they stared working on the campground expansion back in April. They hope to have the project complete sometime next month.

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